M.S. Dolittle Quilter

2012-01-01T00:01:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year!

Happy Holidays

2011-12-24T15:42:00.000-05:00

Well this has been a relaxing break so far!! Much has been accomplished!
I have made new curtains for the kitchen (picture will follow as soon as I charge camera ;o)
Worked on the Bonnie Hunter Mystery and have watched Karin's progress. (On part 6 like you Karin). So far I am liking it.
Going over to the in-laws for Christmas Eve dinner and I do brunch at here in the morning.
Catching up on Stars and Sprigs BOM from Homestead Hearth and Barbara Brackman's Civil War BOM. Sewing has been good.
I also have been listening to Inheritance by Christopher Paolini. I have listened to all the other previous books in this series and love how the narrator has given the characters each a different voice. Rather large book...about 35 + hours. Can't wait to see how every thing is tied up in the end.
And...

Merry Christmas to all and don't forget to look for Rudolph the pug nosed reindeer tonight ;o) k

Where have I been?

2011-11-26T16:16:00.000-05:00

Well let's just say I have not been blogging....sewing....sleeping...get the picture. Wow I can't believe it was August since I last posted. Work has been a bear...glad that I have a job, but tough without a clerk...whine, whine, and whine. Okay...that is done.

I started the Bonnie Hunter new mystery, but did in my own colorway...thanks Karin! I am still doing the first part and hope to finish it before Monday when I head back to work for 3 weeks. Yes counting...thinking that is not a good thing.

Thanksgiving was great. Cooked at my house and DH's parents came over. Very relaxing...very stuffing! Listening to a HS book that I got hooked on the series over the summer reading books for the Readers Rally. Beautiful Chaos. Not for those who don't like magic and dark creatures. Something different to listen to on my phone...yes peeps..I am listening to it on my phone which I know is hard for you to believe since I NEVER have my phone actually on (LOL).

Been bad shopping online. Homestead Hearth BOM.....yes did sign up for one for next year. Not telling which one....that bad! Have a cart in the Fat Quarter Shop...just haven't pressed the pay part. I know, but it is such a great sale!

Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving!

k

Online Fabric Sale!

2011-08-27T17:30:00.002-04:00

I normally do not send out sale info, but this one is too good to miss! I have purchased items from this website before and have not been disappointed!

Check it out. k

Stars and Sprigs BOM Beginning Layout

2011-07-28T19:42:00.002-04:00

42S										43S
	1S	10A	2S	14A	3S	9A	4S	12A	5S
	4A	6S	2A	7S	19AR	8S	1A	9S	17A
	10S	9AR	11S	15A	12S	8A	13S	11AR	14S
	8AR	15S	13A	16S	20AR	17S	3A	18S	18A
	19S	7AR	20S	16A	21S	7A	22S	14AR	23S
	5A	24S	12AR	25S	4AR	26S	2AR	27S	19A
	28S	1AR	29S	17AR	30S	5AR	31S	15A	32S
	6A	33S	11A	34S	10AR	35S	13AR	36S	20A
	37S	3AR	38S	18AR	39S	6AR	40S	16AR	41S
44S										45S

S= Star Block

A= Applique Block

R= Reversed Block

Placement is based upon the pattern picture. For guide only.

Hope this helps anyone doing the Homestead Hearth BOM for this wonderful quilt. k

Playing around with Stars and Sprigs electronically...

2011-07-27T13:15:00.002-04:00

42S										43S
		10A		14A		9A		12A
	4A			7S	19AR	8S		9S	17A
	10S	9AR	11S	15A	12S	8A	13S	11AR	14S
	8AR	15S	13A	16S	20AR	17S		18S	18A
	19S	7AR	20S	16A	21S	7A	22S	14AR	23S
	5A	24S	12AR	25S	4AR	26S	2AR	27S	19A
	28S	1AR	29S	17AR	30S	5AR	31S	15A	32S
	6A	33S	11A	34S	10AR	35S	13AR	36S	20A
	37S	3AR	38S	18AR	39S	6AR	40S	16AR	41S
44S										45S

Well that was cool only it didn't upload the pics that went in it...still need to play...But I did figure out how to upload a Word document to blogger through Word..cool. k

All spiffed up

2011-06-28T14:19:00.001-04:00

My Bernina...well one of my Berninas (the traveling one) got a tune up today from Mr. Nixon. Just preparing for the Thimbles summer stitch-in at the end of July...yes a little early I know...just a tad excited.

I am going to the introduction class on the serger I bought from Atlanta Sewing Center before summer on Thursday. I know how to serge, but always learn new tips. I got the one that self threads...it is so sweet!

Also got a reminder yesterday about a in-school staff development next week....oh the weeks are going to fly by until I have to go back to work!

Oh and by the way, Toby is growing like a weed! Still a good boy ;o)

Sue Spargo

2011-06-25T13:55:00.000-04:00

Had a great time listening to Sue Spargo and where she gets her inspiration from yesterday. Bought a few items in her portable "store" and her new book Crimson Tweed....ooooh want to make that quilt so bad! Then went to eat and shop with Pat, Becky, Brenda and Debbie! Nice way to spend a summer day.

Need to read some more of the Reader Rally books I was given to write questions for....Brenda is so far ahead of me...need to catch up and get it done. The one I am reading now, Five Flavors of Dumb, sounds like it would be awful, but it is not! So far "Dumb" is the name of a high school band and their manager is a hearing impaired girl! Love to see how the author has been weaving this girl's character into the story. Also since I have have two hearing impaired boys myself, I feel that the accuracy of the hearing impairment technology and problems have been right on so far. Love to see strong girl characters.

What kind of animal is this?

2011-06-10T19:45:00.000-04:00

Well it is a happy, bouncy great dane, Toby...check out those ears!

Trip to Blue Ridge to Sew...recap in wordle

2011-06-07T12:08:00.001-04:00

Last week...

2011-05-13T17:47:00.000-04:00

Hey there, Buddy here...aka P. Buddy or NO! Buddy, looking for a job for my "dad". Hard working, honest guy who loves numbers and computers and keeping track of others' money. Give good belly rubs and picks up all of the 4 legged ones "business". Cuts the grass so that the ones of us with little legs can run through it. Good at "cooking" dog grain. Loves to go on walks with big dogs.

Yup... was let go last week. They asked if they could give him 4 weeks notice. Weird situation...they are hiring a new vp and want him to meet with the new vp for 4 weeks...but they need to hire one first. So he could be working for 1 month or 3.

Good thing mom still has a job...with little ones like me, Buddy, but they only have 2 legs and are not as furry as me and my siblings.

P. Buddy

Yo ...

2011-05-08T14:40:00.000-04:00

2011-04-23T20:36:00.001-04:00

Happy Easter from the Easter Puggy.

New Member...soon

2011-04-13T17:33:00.000-04:00

Well this weekend we found a new addition to our family, but he isn't old enough to come home yet. Here he is at 4 1/2 weeks old. Cutie Pie! We do not have a name yet for the new dane, but are throwing around a few. His coloring is called Brindle. I love the pattern on his head...I know it will grow with him...big. k

A week off..

2011-04-06T14:03:00.000-04:00

Schools out for "spring break". I must say that many people needed this break due to the "snow make up days" being used. I have enjoyed sleeping in and just relaxing with the dogs. I did make a trip to the public library to get lots of books on tape to listen to...yes kids books. I recently finished Owl Tree by Jenny Nimmo. I liked her Charlie Bone series...creepy and mystical. The Owl Tree will be a good story for 2nd or 3rd graders....although I found it rather weird that the kids' grandmother would let them call the recluse neighbor..."the Monster".

Now on to quilting...have block 13 & 14 done as shown below. I saw Gretchen at Sweet Home (picking up the Thangles BOM that she has hooked me on) and thought I had done 13, but didn't remember where I put it. Well I find out that I didn't even do it...so I had to catch up. I am up-to-date with Sweet Home BOM and Civil War BOW.

I have been working on the bijillion small pieces to make this kit I have been working on...still sewing and sewing and sewing....I might finish it in 2015!

Almost done with the Swap 4 ladies that you have been waiting on. For preliminary fabric so you can go through your stashes...It looks like 13 FQ neutrals (more beigy/taupe tone on tone), 5 FQ shirtings (need to be lighter and contrast with the neutral above.)' and 7 dark reproduction. Cutting directions will be available at the next Thimbles.

A Quilting We Will Go...

2011-03-20T16:36:00.001-04:00

Have two of the Civil War BOW's done...#11 & 12. Going good!

I have also started another quilt kit that I purchased from Primitive Gatherings. I did not look at the size of the quilt...should have! I would have realized that the blocks are SMALL! I have to cut a bijillion 1" squares...this is before they are sewn. I cut some, sew some. Hopefully that will keep me working on it. It is quite beautiful and the fabric in the quilt are gorgeous! k

2011-03-05T19:42:00.000-05:00

Block number 9 & 10 done. Yippy!

Sunday I get to go to Sweet Home and pick up my 2nd First Sunday Block Party....thanks to Gretchen who "made" me sign up after she pointed the quilt out.

Been doing much of nothing today.

Finished reading The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place: The Hidden Gallery by Maryrose Wood. This is the second book in the series which is about children who were raised by wolves and now a governess...Totally bizarre tale, but kids will like how the children get to howl alot ;o) It is also a bit of a mystery because it seems someone wants the Incorrigibles to come to harm. Booklist has starred this selection. I do too because of its far fetched plot and likable characters.

Keeping up!

2011-02-20T20:13:00.000-05:00

I am surprised that I have been able to keep up with the Civil War "BOW" ...block of the week...maybe because it sounds like a dog...bow wow wow? Okay stretching it there.

Worked on my mid-year RBES goals for work...I see all that I still need to do for work....I will get through it.

Not doing to good on keeping up with the UFO challenge. I will "catch up" with that hopefully over spring break in APRIL....no breaks until then....ahhhhhhhh.

If you enjoy funny library humor in kids' book, you will have to read The Case of the Case of Mistaken Identity by Mac Barnett. Fast read and a silly boy story that has ninja librarians! Fav quotes on pages 40 and 41.

Link to Amazon

Okay...now off to read another kid's book. k

Rough Week...

2011-02-06T12:12:00.000-05:00

Book Fair was this week and it was a l-o-n-g one! We didn't make as much as usual, but did sell enough to make it worth it.

I was able to sew the Civil War Barbara Brackman block from this Saturday....good thing because I am at work everyday after school doing something. My day off from work will be Sunday. Reader Rally is next weekend and I get to help set up Friday after work and be there for my team Sat. 8 - 2. This day usually goes by fast, but is draining.

Well here is my #6 block: Richmond..the points don't match up as I would like. I did redraft the block, and cut the 2 1/4" squares to 2 1/8" squares and then in 1/2. This did help with the matching of the pieces. k

A Shopping We Will Go...

2011-01-30T09:58:00.002-05:00

I went to Pat's Calico Cottage (a Gammill Dealer) and picked up some machine quilting thread to see if I can get some things quilted this weekend....well it hasn't happened yet. Back has been giving me issues...apparently it is from stress...haha...none of that around here. It is definitely feeling better today, but not 100%. Hope to see if something will get done. Will let you know if it does. ;o) k

Civil War Blocks

2011-01-29T19:11:00.000-05:00

I realized that I have not posted any of the Civil War blocks of the week...so here are the ones I have done. Hope you enjoy ;o)

Updating

2011-01-15T13:21:00.000-05:00

I've been slowly updating the UFO page. I might actually get things finished this year! I am off to do the 3rd Civil War block and organize some more in the "woman cave" as Sir Quilt Dude calls them. Sir Quilt Dude is the DH of the Thimbles' Queen, Pat Wys. I actually had to email her and see if we had Thimbles on Friday...silly me, I had the wrong weekend...something to look forward to next week. k

Bonnie Hunter RRCB...sort of ;o)

2011-01-13T14:39:00.000-05:00

I finished this last night and "cleaned" up the threads this morning...was all ready to take a picture and realized I did not have the space to do it on the floor. So I will wait until Thimbles where someone there can take one for me. Here is a sampling of it...oh and I part of Gretchen in it...see it Gretch?

I also have been trying to take pictures of the before UFO's so people can see I am making progress! Putting these on the UFO page.

I know my dogs will be happy when the kids go back to school...probably tomorrow...When they go sledding, there is a screamer and she is driving them nuts! DH loves to have me home...he has been home also working. Cool that he can do it from home also unlike teachers. k

Yet another snow day for Thursday!

2011-01-12T17:05:00.000-05:00

I guess this is what it is like to retire...I get to quilt, quilt, quilt and do things around the house...like cook great dinners and hang out with the DH....although I don't like being "cooped up".

Working on my RRCB and almost done...1 more border and the corners! Yippy! I am a little worried about when it is quilted and the pieced border...no room for error.

I was also wondering if I am "cheating" on the UFO challenge working on a different month! I don't think so ;o) k

2011-01-11T20:39:00.000-05:00

Another day with the snow! We are off again tomorrow (Wed) and I wonder what trouble I can get into. I don't mind having the days out, but I hate the make up days and I'm running out of Starbucks! Our driveway isn't bad now, but the street is horrible with ice....and of course it is on an incline. I don't think it helps with the kids sledding down it...packing the snow into ice...wait, let me go out and help them, they are having so much fun!

I was able to sew on the first skinny border for RRCB....and I finished assembling the outer border, but only sewed one on...I will finish tomorrow. I haven't posted pictures because I changed the colors and I'm pretty sure I like the combo....want to see the big picture before I post. k

January's UFO

2011-01-10T20:28:00.000-05:00

Well I got the borders on the Christmas Lights...the UFO for January. Now just to "quilt as desired and bind"!

I was also able to get the first and second block of the Barbara Brackman's Civil War "quilt along" done using scraps! Yippy...better Bonnie Hunter quilts and the Civil War one, I hope to deplete some of these piles.

Since school was closed today, I was able to put up 7 more window blinds and fix the bird feeder. With my "chores" done I went into the sewing room and worked on RRCB....oh my gosh...I think that thing grew while I was sewing it....it is HUGE!!! I just finished sewing all the rows together and will work on the borders tomorrow because school is out again. I am also thinking I am not going to be able to quilt it on my machine due to its size. Yes it is that big! Happy shoveling & sewing. k

Ribbbbbbbbit...

2011-01-08T22:45:00.000-05:00

I must say there must have been those little green things around me today. I finally was able to get the book club's t-shirts for the competition in Feb....went to Big Frog in Snellville and the minute you open the door you hear frogs.

Then all sewers know that sound is when one has to rip out your sewing...did lots of that today. I sewed my Christmas Lights blocks together one day this week and was going to sew the rest of the rows together today, when I noticed something wasn't right. Ha! It wasn't a small something either. I had to ribbbbit out all of the rows I put together and most of the blocks that were sewn together. I would have left the blocks I put in sideways instead of up and down alone, but it really changed the design and I didn't like it. The quilt is all better now and has 1 1/2 borders on it...finishing the others tomorrow.

I think I might also do the Civil War block of the week...remember ladies when it gets to the block of the day...my DH coined that phrase! k

The kids are back

2011-01-04T19:53:00.000-05:00

Wow it was quite funny how some students were not awake this morning and others were hyped up! I was very tired at the end of the day and was not sure I would quilt some, but said "just a little".

You see below the Bonnie Hunter Christmas Lights UFO #6 for the challenge. The blocks are made, but need to be sewn together and borders added. I was able to sew the rows tonight...making some progress on something I put away...yippy.

Also I included a very dark photo I took of Smudge (a pug). I was cutting and he sat up and I thought it looked like he wanted to learn how to sew....sorry the picture of him is hard to see....he's on a dark blue chair and he's a black pug! I still thought it was cute.

Oh, by the way he likes to sit in back of me while I am sitting in the chair sewing...yes I know, it doesn't sound comfortable. We I don't need lumbar (sp?) support...I have pug support. He takes up so much room in the back that I sit on the front edge of the chair and very straight. I just wish he was a little higher on the back...hmmmm.....maybe I should strap him to the back like the supports! Nah, don't think he would like that. k

UFO #6

Smudge at the Sewing Machine!

UFO....last day of vacation

2011-01-02T20:12:00.000-05:00

Well as today was my last day of vacation for awhile, I planned to sleep in and sew.

Yesterday DH and I hung blinds on many windows. Still thinking of what to do with a few "odd" windows and others I did not want anything on them now. We did 11 windows yesterday...looking much better than the temporary paper ones ;o)

Sewing is going strong! I am really loving how my Bonnie Hunter RRCB blocks are coming out. I finished the ones with the 600 half square triangles, and I also did the string ones. One word of caution on the working with the string blocks...bias!

I also was able to cut the "border" fabric for the Morning Star Swap we did. I bought two fabrics at Bad Melisa's...purple and a black one. I went with the black one for this. I love the purple one too and will definitely use it soon.

My UFO for the UFO Challenge 2011 is: Bonnie Hunter's Christmas Lights Mystery . Yesterday I had to have DH reach up on a shelf to find it. We had to go thru a few storage containers with other projects. Alright...it was 12 projects we went thru before finding it...and that wasn't all of them. I planned to see where I was on that today...but alas it will have to wait until tomorrow. k

Happy New Year

2011-01-01T10:46:00.000-05:00

2010-12-30T22:00:00.000-05:00

I have caught up just in time for tomorrow's posting for Bonnie Hunter's RRCB! Yippy. I was doing my "sewing" thing and did not notice that I had bad aim for the trash! Poor Smudge. He didn't even move!

I was able to work on one of the UFOs...well get it out to see where I needed to go with it. That does take time. Finished the last two applique pups and now to cut the border and sashing and sew!

Did you hear the celebration?

2010-12-29T09:33:00.000-05:00

Yesterday I finished the 60 string pieced blocks of Bonnie Hunter's RRCB...yes I was a happy camper and then proceeded to start step 6. I hope to finish this step today and catch up with Karin! Way to go Karin for having all steps completed.

I did some work "work" this morning. Trying to get the last of my "new school" money spent. Can't wait to see the new stuff to come. It is like Christmas at school when new books come in and I am the first to check them out. Well off to sew with the pups ;o) k

Christmas was quiet ;o)

2010-12-27T15:10:00.000-05:00

I made brunch for the in-laws and it was great. Got to use my fancy plates that I have accumulated and never use. There was one thing I was hoping to get for Xmas, but did not...maybe I will for another celebration... isn't there one called Really Good Wife day in January?...hee hee.

The birdies have been seen out in this cold Christmas weather off of our back porch.

The other signs that I know it is chilly outside is when the pups look at me and say,

"You want me to go out there and do my business? Yeah right!".

I have been sewing as much as I can. The Bonnie Hunter RRCB mystery has been my main focus...trying to catch up. Never should have skipped step 3...60 strip blocks. I think I am getting close to 30...Oy! I think I finally got a system down that works for me...one block at a time...make 5...square them up...make more. I tried chain piecing them, but the long strips kept getting tangled. Hoping to finish these blocks before the other part comes out...though I still have to do the last step. Need to find more greens for mine!

I've been thinking about the swap we just did, Morning Star. Mine is almost together, but realized that the stars are not "finished" on the outside. I think I am going to make more 1 1/2 background squares to attached to a "border" of the same fabric all around. The stars would only finish out the quilt ones and not create new ones. Hope that makes sense.

Hope everyone else is enjoying their holidays. k

Merry Christmas

2010-12-24T10:02:00.000-05:00

May your holidays be

merry and bright!

600 half square triangles...check!

2010-12-23T22:21:00.000-05:00

I completed the 600 half square triangles for Bonnie Hunter's Mystery quilt. Whew! I am particular on how I do them and made them bigger and squared each one up. This took days! Good thing I am not working this week. Her next step comes out tomorrow (Friday).

Here is what I have done so far:
Step 1: 172 2" strip sections. DONE
Step 2: 30 sets of 4 3 1/2" half square triangles = 120 half square triangles. DONE
Step 3: 60 paper pieced strip blocks...only one done. :o(
Step 4: 30 sets of 4 2" "twosies" + 60 extra squares. DONE
Step 5: 600 2" half square triangles. + 30 2" squares. DONE
Step 6: ?

Need to work on step 3. Have strips...just need to sew.

UFO Challenge 2011 projects

2010-12-22T14:18:00.001-05:00

I decided that it would be a great idea to document 12 UFO's I would like to complete in 2011 as my quilt friends are doing. Check out the UFO Challenge 2011 button on the side from Judy Laquidara...great incentives to join along.

Click on the UFO to go to my list.

Worn out

2010-12-05T20:01:00.000-05:00

Been working/quilting/putting x-mas decos up this weekend...now I am pooped. Tree is up ;o)
I worked on laying out Scrappy Nines and have it in rows ready to sew. Love that it does not have borders to add on. I also made a mini twister quilt from Primitive Gatherings. Just need to figure out how to quilt it. I also worked on the bazillion 1 1/2" squares for our swap. Doing good with that...still not done. I have been eyeing my light strips for the third part of Bonnie Hunter's Quilt Along.
Work at home wasn't too bad. Getting an order of books together...well this is the third big order I will have done this year. It is also the last year the media center gets $$ because it is still considered "new". I also have been working on a PPT so the kiddies can learn exemplar math concepts...yes I know I am a media ...book....person, but we do have to do math for a RBES goal...don't ask. Anyway, I think I have it almost...still some tweaking needs to be done. It is a matching game and hope they will like it.
Time to snuggle with the pups...they do not like me running around the house! k

Which hat today?

2010-12-02T16:50:00.001-05:00

Well you know you are working too hard when your principal comes up to you and says, "Hey there media specialist, LSTC, TST" jokingly. I added "you forgot I'm a media clerk too"....heehee. Well not really a laughing matter, but I know she is aware of how I am trying.

I am a media specialist...check. Our LSTC just had her first baby (remember Olivia quilt) and is out until February...so I am pseudo LSTC...check. Next our TST's wife has cancer and is in and out to be with her (which I think is absolutely wonderful!)...so I am pseudo TST....check. Next...well I did lose my clerk in October due to budget cuts...so media clerk....check.

My principal has requested a sub TST who has been wonderful for all the techy things people have been asking about. He is not at school everyday, but is a call away. We also have a sub LSTC....well really someone to help on Fridays in the M.C....which is wonderful because it gets "harry" in there.

Oh and did I mention that we are adding accelerated reader to our school...by January?....I'm in charge of that...uploading, labeling, etc.

To say I am swamped would be an understatement. Teachers see me and ask how I am and I smile. I know they are looking out for me because two of them noticed they were closing up lunch in the cafeteria a little early...had a para come and let me know so I would not miss lunch! Great peeps. Sorry about the whiny post...feel much better now ;o) k

Last day of vacation

2010-11-28T15:21:00.000-05:00

Well tomorrow it is back to work. I have enjoyed my break and have accomplished a lot...well maybe not as much "unpacking/organizing" as I would have liked, but sewing....I think I rank up there with Sarah no blog. I realized that I was working on 3 to 4 projects at a time. Crazy you say? Well yes.

I have finished the Charming Chatter quilt top "Between Charming Friends Quilt Along". Yes I know the last directions were in August! But check that one off the list...now to quilt it. It is hard to see the white pattern, but it is like muslin with chenille bits in it. Was interesting to work with and give is a retro look.

I was also working on Scrappy Nines (kit 1). I have all of the blocks and "borders" done. Need to layout and sew together. Now that was an accomplishment. Crazy as it seems, I was thinking of doing it in different fabrics...yikes...need to go back to work for sanity.

I also worked on my Jelly Roll Sampler. (pics to follow) and the Jan Patek Girls' Gang bom here and there. Off to celebrate my MIL's 80th birthday! k

Black Friday

2010-11-26T17:56:00.001-05:00

Well as I was driving to Bad Melisa's for her great sale at
6:30 in the morning, I saw the crowds at Best Buy, Walmart and Target. I thought, "Boy those people are nuts getting up so early to face those crowds...I hope there is still a parking space at Sweet Home when I get there." Okay...well I am nuts too!

I get to Melisa's and parked in the back in the dirt...Yes there was a space. Saw Gretchen's truck, Xena...goody company to shop with. Entered the shop and I noticed that Melisa was not dressed in black...hmm thought that would be appropriate...come to think of it, I wasn't in black either...make note for next year to wear black to Melisa's. This was the only store I went to today...I was there for the 30% off everything! I did very well and paid cash so there is not a paper trail! Have to think of these things ahead of time with a DH as an accountant.

I bought Fandango line to make a quilt out of a Nickel Quilt book, backing for a Quilt for a Cause (8 1/4 yards!), 3 books, thread, end of bolt finds, and only brought one bag in the house....the other is still hiding in the car ;o)

I will post the picture of the quilt I am going to make with the Fandango line when blogger starts cooperating with loading the images.

2010-11-25T10:53:00.000-05:00

Happy Thankgiving

I am a ...

2010-11-24T16:06:00.000-05:00

I believe I am a quilt project bouncer. Now don't picture a cute old lady with quilted clothing and a rotary cutter in front of a quilt shop...hmm now that is a new profession..."quilt bouncer". Anyway, I can't seem to focus on one project this holiday week. It cannot be because I have a million and one bom's or kits! I wonder if there is a help group for this.

I have been working on an old bom from Homestead Hearth by Jan Patek. I love HH's boms. Each fabric is labeled what it is for! Takes the guessing out of it all. Anyways, it is the 2009-2009 Girl Gang....hand appliqued...well being appliqued. It is looking great but progress is slo-o-o-o-w. So for instant (?) gratification I went over to Silver Thimbles' Scrappy Nine Patch (kit). Well I had to work on this because it was what was taking over my sewing area. I have the nine bazillion 9 patch pieces cut out and am in the process of sewing nine patches...just on the 6 patch part right now. Hmmm....don't think this is instant gratification quite yet. I believe this quilt is a good one to show a quilter that if one keeps chipping away at the 9 bazillion pieces, you will have a magnificent quilt for your efforts.

Well back to bouncing ;o) k

Well I did the math...

2010-11-02T19:34:00.000-04:00

I was working on cutting out the background fabric for our lasted swap. It is a great one called Morning Star from Pat Speth's Nickel Quilts. There are seven of us in this swap and we each had to give the others 30 5" squares. We are doing reproduction-ish fabric.

I proceeded to cut the background strips and then realize how many 1 1/2" squares we needed to cut.....ahhhh 848! Did anyone else notice this? This means that we will be attaching 848 1 1/2" squares....hmmm sounds like Silver Thimbles' Nine Patch Pattern...hee hee. How many 9 patches were there Gretchen? Well my background is all cut and put into ziplocs for Thimbles this month.

photo from Pat Speth's site: http://www.patspeth.com/Quilts/morningstar.html

Olivia

2010-10-16T19:41:00.000-04:00

Well the quilt was a smash! My friend and LSTC (Local School Technology Coordinator) is having a baby and her name is going to be Olivia. I knew about the Olivia book fabric and here is the quilt. Sorry that the picture quality is not the best...still learning the new camera. To the left is the top made from my friend's Strawberry Pie pattern. Below is the wild backing made with the left over pieces and then finally a close up of Olivia.

2010-09-25T17:42:00.001-04:00

Well I finally was able to make it to Bad Melisa's to get the gift certificate my mom gave me for my birthday in August! What a treat to have it waiting for me. After moving and seeing all the fabric I have, it is hard to "justify" getting more..."well I had to spend the gift certificate dear". I got lots of goodies and was inspired by Sarah no blog and Gretchen to sew some bags. I got a cute pattern that uses the clear quilters vinyl. Something new to try. Bad Melisa assured me with this pattern I would be safe not getting a teflon foot. I think I was in a "French General" mood...That Moda man!

A Quilting We Will Go....

2010-09-18T19:16:00.000-04:00

Went to Thimbles today. Wow was it packed! I only cut out today because of the "plug" issues...not to worry, I still got a lot done.

And yes Andy, I did have my machine in the car ;o) The man thinks I never sew on it. He is also known as Sir Quilt Dude, husband of our leader, Queen Pat.

I have a wonderful friend at school who is having her first baby and they know it is a girl. Her name is going to be Olivia. So....being a book woman I found Olivia the Pig fabric that goes along with the books of Olivia. She is a character with attitude! I am making Queen Thimbles pattern, Strawberry Pie. It is going to be great and I hope my friend will like it. Hope to quilt lots on it this weekend...maybe a picture will be coming soon. k

I Need....

2010-09-05T13:25:00.000-04:00

I have a long weekend and I need to sew. I want to sew....but will it happen? We shall see.

My in-laws are coming over for a cookout later today. Real simple food on the grill, salad, and munchies. Should be a nice visit. This is the first time they will see the new house.

DH and I have been unpacking forever it seems and I still see boxes. I am over it! By the time I get home from work, I am worn out to think about unpacking or cleaning more. It will get done, just not as fast as DH would like...oh well.

My sewing room is still a disaster area because it is the last to get attention. I do think I will set up the machine later...at least it will be out of the packing box! As for sewing...we shall see. I hear a bajillion 9 patches calling me....it is that many in you pattern Pat right??? heehee k

It's official...

2010-08-17T20:16:00.001-04:00

Well the house and land are officially on the web. I remember when we bought the house...it was not listed on the Internet...we looked through papers the Realtor printed out based on what we wanted....can do this now on most websites.

I did not have email...so we could not email back and forth the scanned documents needed to proceed with the listing. We also did not have a blog where I could post the link to the house on it for others to see! Amazing.

I say all this because I was "interviewed" at school today to see how far I have seen technology come since becoming a member of the school tech team and where I see it going. I do find all the new developments/software intriguing and love this aspect of my job where it is never the same day after day.

To see the house or land, click on the picture.

It is interesting the pictures taken and uploaded. Some do look like I think they should. I liked the virtual tour and then the extra pics attached to that....again my original virtual tour was a walk thru! Progress....gotta love it. k

2010-08-14T23:24:00.000-04:00

The house and land are finally listed...well the signs are in the ground, but the listing does not appear on the www until Monday. Yippy.

We have actually started to arrange things in the new house. The "old" house looks great and is ready for a family to bring it to life again. I can't wait to see how it looks on the Internet. I wonder if it will look as I have it in my mind or if the pictures will make it look different.

Know anyone who is looking for a house? heehee. k

Moving Day...

2010-07-12T17:13:00.001-04:00

Well I must say it was a long day, but it went well. The movers had to make two trips with the truck...they didn't even bring boxes...just the big stuff....no fabric. They were a very nice crew that were very efficient and hard workers. I would definitely recommend the men we had. They were from Buckhead Movers. The first truck had problems so they used the Bulldog one. I think they work for either one.

The plumber is supposed to come over later and turn on our water...kind of need that for the toilets ;o).

It was interesting to watch the gutter people custom make them and then put them up in a downpour. It was a good thing since it was a really dirty job taking them down! They got a "natural" shower. Though they did take cover when the lightning came about.

Now to get the "old" house ready to sell and the new one situated before Stitch In. Yeah right...here's to wishing ;o)

k

You just have to laugh...

2010-07-08T16:01:00.000-04:00

Well the closing on the house yesterday went well...just have a hand cramp from signing all those papers! Just kidding. It was all the way in Roswell and I am glad we have been through it a few times before. It was very easy! Our real estate agent was there as well as our "loan man". They were both great through the whole process.

When we were waiting for the A-Okay that they received the funds, we were just making small talk and found out something that just makes you wonder about the world we live in. Our "loan man" said that we did not pass the "fraud test" when qualifying for the loan...Well I must say we have an extremely high credit rating (DH is an accountant and I a former one) and were putting over 1/2 of the sales price down so we wondered about this. What it was is that with the amount of our income, we were not buying a high enough priced house...so we failed the fraud test on that. Crazy or what! Hmmm...I would like to retire some time and so would DH. Also we are good with our financing...just ridiculous! We said that we were fine with failing that!

The roofers are there today putting on the new top...glad I am not there hearing the bang, bang boom or seeing the mess. Right Pat?

Going over tonight to bring a few more things.

k

2010-07-04T16:27:00.000-04:00

Happy Fourth!

Kevin (youngest son) will be giving us and DH's mom and dad a fireworks "show" this evening. He is so excited! DH and him were already "playing" with the noise makers when they should have been packing ;o)

Count down is on until closing on Wednesday. Then we get to start moving items over. Movers are taking the large heavy things...making progress. Yippy. k

Weird items to move...

2010-06-29T22:09:00.000-04:00

I wonder what the movers who give online estimates think about when weird items are listed. DH and I were filling out for a local mover to give us an estimate and started laughing about it. Now it could be that we have been working non stop, but I bet the person who will do the estimate will think...

"Normal living room furniture, normal dining room items...hmmmm what is this? 13 bookcases? Boy they must love books. Exercise equipment..good. Washer, dryer, refrigerator...check. What? Tall bird cage and bird exercise/playground stand. Must like animals. Interesting...weaving loom. OMG folding white sewing table, 2 sewing cabinets, 3 3 drawer sewing cabinets, 2 6 drawer sewing cabinets...serger table, sewing table...and then quilting machine and stand (will be broken down)...man this woman must love to sew!"

I would love to hear their comments! k

Good for the soul...

2010-06-25T18:06:00.000-04:00

It is always a good idea to laugh with some friends when one is sad due to circumstances beyond one's control. I did this today for a few hours and do feel much better! Life is just throwing too much at me at the moment and I am trying to "adjust" to them. Enough whining!

Dumpster Boy (aka DH) is filling up a large container of "junk" as he puts it. I never have seen a man so happy to get rid of "stuff".

I received a happy email today also...adding to my joy. UGA was not sure I was going to "qualify" for my Reading Endorsement since I am a "service" degree being a media specialist who was not a teacher before....so I had to call and ask them to try. Happy dance because I got it...which I really should have since I did all 3 semesters of reading endorsement classes. (these had tons of guess what? Reading...haha....and we actually got to tutor a student with reading issues all summer. My guy did wonderful!!!) Anyway...no more money for it, but the knowledge will help me match kids with books even better.

Speaking of books, I am reading some for the Gwinnett Readers Rally middle school competition.

I read Bringing the Boy Home by N. A. Nelson which I was not sure I was going to like at first. The author had a twist that I really thought made the book one kids would think about. Great book for middle schoolers.

Another one is Diamond Willow by Helen Frost. Again a great choice. This one had adventure and I would consider it more of a realistic fiction selection. It included forest animals' thoughts and how they looked after the main character. Recommend for upper elementary and middle school.

With those complete, I am now on the Gollywhopper Games by Jody Feldman...yes that is the title. Again it is realistic....dad is blamed for embesseling funds from the company he works at (innocent) and his son gets chosen to participate in the "games". Reminds me of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and the golden ticket. This selection would also be great for kids who love math. Recommend for elementary and middle school.

The smartest dog...

2010-06-23T14:43:00.000-04:00

I have had the "look" from my dogs telling me it was time. It is with sadness that DH and I made the decision to help Bailey to doggie heaven. This has been a rough few months with our animals. First with Rex and his cancer and now Bailey with his back and hips. Unlike Rex who was only 5, Bailey aka "bratboy" lived a full life of 14 years. He was a show dog, an agility dog, a wonderful pet, a temperment tested dog and a certified therapy dog. He taught me a lot and was the smartest dog I have ever had and could sum people up with just a smell.

Bailey (Pembroke Welsh Corgi)
Higgins (Basset Hound)

"Bailey, go find your buddy Higgins, he is waiting for you." love mom

Books...way too many books...

2010-06-13T13:16:00.000-04:00

Smudge (only a mom could love that face) says that there are too many books on my bed right now. I am still going through my stash of fabs and started on the quilt books. Any ideas on what to do with the many I am giving away? I thought to bring them to Thimbles next weekend and have the ladies choose what they would like. Hate just tossing them. I am really cleaning these out! DH would be so proud of me...he hasn't seen what he has to cart to the car next weekend, but I know he will be happy.

DH spent most of Friday at the new house that is not ours yet getting bids on the new roof and landscaping. Hot day to do that. I came when the landscape guy, Hank, came. He was definitely on the same design page I was on...naturalize!

The pain was having to submit paper work to the HOA to get the roof color approved (even if it is the same) and the landscape plans approved also. I am so used to not having to do this. I understand the reasoning, but am going to complain anyways ;o)

July 9th is the big day for closing....lots to do before then...and after then...hmmm....yes, moving is a good idea. I just have to keep saying that...moving is a good idea. You will love your sewing room...you will love the kitchen when DH lets you put the granite counter tops in.... k

A good feeling...

2010-06-09T19:20:00.000-04:00

Well DH and I had our offer accepted late yesterday (Tuesday) on the house. Today we signed all the papers (enough to grow 3 trees) for the loan application. The man (who happens to live in the subdivision we are buying in...how convenient) said there was no problem with it and everything should go smoothly with this part of the process...since we have such great credit scores and the $$ we were putting down. It seems like a formality just to fill out the paper just for them to say "yes"...oh well.
Now the hard part....packing (more of it), sorting, throwing away, cleaning, painting, etc. Hmmm and I wanted to move why??? Oh yes DH wanted a smaller house and less yard...4 acres is a lot to mow.

Looking forward to my get away with a couple of friends...NEED this more than I know!

Oh and here is the the future sewing room ;o) It is really long (good thing with all the fabric I am finding) and has great light. There are also 2 windows that you can't see which I like for the natural light. k

Still waiting...and waiting...

2010-06-03T15:06:00.000-04:00

Now I know why I haven't wanted to move in 15 years. We have always relocated with DH's company paying most of the moving costs (sweet deal) and closing costs. Still "working" with the bank on the house...still! At least they haven't given up...neither has DH. I am tired of the "bargaining" back and forth...be done with it I say!

Well since I have no control over what the banks do, I am going to get my hair done this afternoon. Nothing fancy...same cut & color...but it is a great way to relax and have some me time. I catch up on the "dirt" in Hollywood while sitting in the chair.

I can't wait for the retirement party tomorrow for a friend. I was in charge of the "gift". I was hoping all the certificates would be here today, but am missing one. I bet it will come tomorrow after the party...always mail it later on. Having fun "wrapping" the gifts.

Well off for the hair job and then more sorting and packing...oh what fun. k

Too much fabric....

2010-06-01T16:04:00.001-04:00

Imagine the books in the picture are bolts of fabric...times 25. I do believe I have too much fabric...so since I admit it, that's half the battle right? I would never say I do to my DH because that means I should not buy any more. The chances of that happening are extremely slim.

It has been good going thru my humongous stash. I am past the little scraps of this and that I have saved...we are cleaning out! Granted I am keeping many, many things and am not sure where everything will go when we do move, but less is better. I am getting many things together to give away ;o) Good stuff, just not enough time in the years to use everything.

We are still trying to work with the bank on the house DH and I think we could downsize to...not sure I like dealing with foreclosure sales...mucho paperwork and no disclosure. We have had it inspected and estimates given to revamp a few things...just waiting on the bank to like our new offer. I am not a patient "waiter". k

It's yo-yo time

2010-05-24T21:49:00.000-04:00

I have decided I need help! I am recycling way too much....let me explain.

I have been working on yo-yo's for a quilt pretty steadily for the past year. Progress has been made to reduce the fat quarters in the stash that I have cut up into squares. All is well and good. Well if you have made these yo-yos, you will know that the thread you baste them with gets wasted when it will not go all around the "yo-yo" form.

I felt that I have wasted gobs of thread when I go to throw away the "pile" ....well one Thimbles, Carmen showed me her mini yo-yos. They were so cute....I had to have that size to make....well....more yo-yos of course. Bad Melisa was able to supply this need.

Then this bell goes off....ding, ding, dingy! Why don't I use the long threads that I waste from the large yo-yos and use it to make the small yo-yos? Yup...time to institutionalize me.... recycling used thread. What's next...using the fabric trimming from the yo-yo form to make Bonnie Hunter's wonky stars...hmmm. ;o) k

House hunting....yuck!

2010-05-21T19:57:00.001-04:00

Some of you know that we have been looking to downsize our house and 4 acres. Well I must say I am not the best house hunting person. Have definite likes and dislikes (mostly these!) and we thought we had found a house we both could live in....the negotiations fell through at the end...the bank would not bargain to fix the repairs we felt were necessary for the $$ we were dishing out. Oh well, back to square one as DH says.

I know I am not looking forward to packing my "stashes"...yes stashes...plural!!!! I have the never ending fabric stash...discovering new (old) fabric purchases and ufo's. The fiber stash of washed wool, silk, cotton or yak waiting to be spun on the spinning wheel. The other fiber stash where it is actually yarn to knit, crochet or weave with...and my book collection (not really a stash)...take a wild guess how many books I have being a media specialist????

Not sure how to downsize these things, but I know DH will think I am nuts if I think they will all fit in a smaller house!

Going to try ;o) k

AP presentation OVER!!

2010-04-19T21:35:00.000-04:00

Well today was the big day for the presentation of 3 semesters of work. I had a friend there, thanks Jim!, but I was still nervous. All I can say was that I was glad it was in the morning and I had the rest of the day to do errands (personal day taken at work). This class is pretty much finished. A little electronic paper work and done. Still a little homework for the folk literature class, but it is not too bad.

Kevin (son #2) and I went out to Ted's and had a nice dinner after meeting with an investment banker. DH and I are looking to see if we need to rework investments for retirement...future retirement...not yet...darn. ;o).

Thanks for the support peeps! k

Rex

2010-04-09T10:06:00.000-04:00

I know many of you have know one of our great danes had cancer that was inoperative.

This morning he did one of his favorite things, going for a ride in the jaguar. He lays down in the back and places his head so he can see out the rear window between the two head rests. He didn't know that I was crying as I followed my husband to the vet and smiling at how content he looked. My younger son came with me because I knew I would not be able to drive myself home....he just got his license....I have never driven with him driving. I was desperate you can tell and was not thinking clearly.

Rex is out of pain and visiting with his friends up in doggie heaven. He went quietly and with dignity. I held him as he took his last breath. My husband was too emotional and had to leave (Rex was his favorite). I totally understood and begged him to go and let me be there. He took my advice.

Here is to you Rexie, our big baby boy. xxxooo mom

Time to Post...

2010-03-30T21:20:00.000-04:00

I saw Sarah G. at Patchwork Cottage on Sunday and said she hadn't seen a post from me in a while...well that is true. While I still have "school-school" not just "work-school", it has been challenging at times to have "fun". And boy is that an understatement!

Anyway, I am in the home stretch. 5 more Folklore classes to do homework for (many, many pages to read) and drive to Athens. But the best is that I handed in my first draft of my Applied Project....all 130 pages of it. I think that qualifies for a thesis...yes? I am awaiting corrections and then I have to "put" it all on a secure site where only my class can see it. That will take awhile, but not much thinking required for this...just time. So there is light shining into the tunnel! Also have the big presentation/defending day set for the project. I have to take a personal day and I am first to present. Kindof glad about that....but I hate presenting in front of adults....give me kids any day.

I've ordered my cap and gown...ouch! I decided that since this is the last degree I will get that I should walk for this one. ...So May 8th....done, done, done! Did I mention I would be done? heehee k

Block of the Month

2010-02-14T21:10:00.000-05:00

New Free block of the month from Bunny Hill! Love this designer. Hopefully I linked it correctly to go to her site. Also check out the Cosmo thread. She has a wonderful color selection.

Working on my "project" for EdS and reading lots of weird folktales that are not quite like I remember from my childhood. These are more true to the original ones and can see why some are "adapted" before giving to kids ;o) I think I would have been scared out of my wits if I read some of these as a kid. Although I might not have read into them as much as I am now.

I see that my friends had a great week at their sewing retreat and hope to go next year!!
They say more snow is on the way....yeah right. I will just wait and see. I guess the snowmen and lady above would like more ;o) k

Just keeps on ticking...

2010-01-24T18:45:00.000-05:00

Well, I definitely am back in the EdS mode. The drive to Athens each Wednesday is going to kill me. 2 drives down, 13 more to go. At least I now have a parking sticker to the new garage which is not too far away from the building I am in.

I have been reading about anthropomorphism and pourquoi tales! Some are great while others are very strange indeed! We are reading "around the world" and our first stop has been Africa. I like most of the illustrators I have encountered in these tales and their techniques are so different.

Anyway I have also have been brushing up on my google.doc, sites, importing, etc for my applied project. Whew! This is a job. I get to do analytical "stuff" in Excel and just learned how to do that Saturday in class. Now I get to find the standard deviation of...and the mode of...and the inverse back flip of...(only kidding).

I have been knitting a Noro scarf (thanks Becky) and have finished it and a few other UFO knitting
items...scary that I have done that. But wait, I've accomplished more. I have all of my 16 patch blocks for our recent swap complete. I need to do the pinwheel blocks, but feel good about the progress on the others.
Now back to googling ;o)

Oh and for those who like to knit...check out brooklyn tweed. His stuff is to die for...k

Accomplished!

2009-12-29T18:50:00.001-05:00

I was able to finish cutting all of the strips and squares for our swap quilt. Ladies? I have also been working on the "Renuzit" quilt. Looking good. I keep beep-bopping back and forth from project to project...not sure what to work on!
Many of you know that one of our Great Danes, Rex, has been to UGA to get himself checked out. Prognosis is not great. It is cancer and in the bone. He can't get an amputation due to his size, something to do with his neck and hind legs, and I figure also because he is blind. His leg looks horrible! Poor baby. (160 lb baby ;o)
Anyway, they still have the cells at the lab and will call us with options. They did go over some that DH and I feel are not realistic, but it was good to know some weird options are out there. We are letting Rex pretty much run our lives right now...sleeps on the bed, walks when he wants, hiding his 7 pills in his food twice a day. Oops, he is not supposed to know that. He is the best GD! I will take a more recent picture when I find the camera...seems to be missing again...hmmmm. k

New Swap!

2009-12-13T19:37:00.001-05:00

This Saturday I was able to quilt at Sweet Home with my friends. Lots of laughing and progress on my Bunny Hill dogs! We have decided to do another swap using a Bonnie Hunter pattern again. I have figured the "requirements" and boy will we get through some of our stash with this one ladies! 6 of us are going to exchange strips and squares and will need 17 dark fat quarters and 17 light fat quarters of reproduction (not 30's) fabric. I will bring the specifics printed out to our next Thimbles on Friday and Saturday. For a picture of the quilt we will be doing go to: Quiltville.

Time for....

2009-09-22T13:20:00.001-04:00

Well I must say I would rather be working now then having to make it up later. I know that parts of our county were hit hard and that they canceled school again today because of it. We were very lucky and had no damage, just feel like I am waterlogged.

It is amazing what one can get done when one's homework is finished for the week...well I could work on my "other" class project that is due in the beginning of Oct...but.....

I actually got to quilt a quilt I had made out of a jelly roll a long time ago. It was a Jelly Log Cabin pattern or something like that. Now for the binding. I also quilted another one for a friend who has pancreatic cancer. I did not make the top, but this person was the one who hired me into the school system and encouraged me to go back to school for my 2nd degree...and now I am on my third!!! MAY, MAY, MAY....I will be done!!! Sorry got away from myself.

Anyways, I hope it makes her feel good. I was also wondering what to do next....see I have been collecting BOMs and well they are well organized ;o)

So what else to do but go onto Homestead Hearth site and see what BOM my friend, Brenda, was talking about. Hmmmmm. Had to have it...now Brenda has a new name....BAD BRENDA! It is gorgeous and doesn't start right away. This gives me time to use a J'store coupon on another plastic storage container to keep it in...haha.

I also worked on my Bonnie Hunter Christmas Lights mystery. Plan on doing more today :o) Oh it is so nice to do something other than work for a change.
Stay dry people!

Back to Reality...

2009-09-13T19:07:00.000-04:00

Yes I did go to Bad Melisa's and buy the new Moda Fat Quarter Bundle...The scary thing is I know what I am going to make with it already. Normally the "Moda Syndrome" (founded by Dr. Karin E.) hits me and I don't know what I am going to make...just got to have it. Not this time. ;o) Maybe therapy is working.

I was able to sew for 2 days at Thimbles. Really needed that. I needed it so bad that I got all my UGA homework done just so I didn't have to think about it. When I got home yesterday, I looked at "school" and saw my new assignments were up...back to the grind ;o0

Traveling Companions

2009-07-28T13:21:00.000-04:00

Yesterday Becky, Brenda and I went traveling to some quilt shops south of Atlanta. What fun and I learned some interesting information about Brenda! We laughed so much and did pretty good about supporting the economy, but not adding too much to the stash. We went to Scarlet Threads which none of us have been to before....wow...7,000 bolts of fabrics. They were so nice there. I saw a quilt they were going to hang and they didn't kit up yet....well they let me take a picture and told me how much I needed of everything...then let me measure the strips. It is a simple quilt that doesn't scream Christmas...and simple is good for me.

I have been working on my Bad Melisa embroidery quilt kit. Slow going but I am fine with that and am enjoying the process.

Well the governor has furloughed us for 2 days during pre-planning. Not sure how I feel about this yet. Understand why, but....

Well off to read my last book for one of my graduate classes of the summer. One class is all set...everything handed in....evaluation done...tell I am happy?!
Kristie

2009-06-29T15:14:00.000-04:00

My eyes have been reading way too much the last few weeks and there's more to come ;o)
That's what I get for being a media specialist! Well at least I know there are others out there feeling the eye strain with me...right Jim!
Hoping to get a big part of my reading done in the next two weeks for my two classes. Just not going to worry about housework or cooking...just read, read, read. I have read a few great books in the children's literature class I am taking. They are more for upper elementary or middle school kids. It's the studies and articles for the research class I am taking that require way too much thought! So next time my eyes seem buggy...you'll know why.

Finding time...

2009-06-25T11:55:00.000-04:00

Well I have been finding some time to quilt. I have been slowly working on the pineapple sundae quilt. Lots of rounds to put on. It is very relaxing since I am only doing a little at a time. Sometimes I find that pineapple quilts get frustrating having to cut after each round, but not this time...must be old age.

I also am working on the Bonnie Hunter Christmas Lights mystery. I did go out and buy a black...not too many in my stash. I then decided that I didn't have enough red or green and bought them too....not I'm not sure on the green when I got it back to my "pile". It's a great green, just not sure if it will show as well in this scrappy quilt.

I've been reading lots of middle school books for a class I am taking this summer on historical fiction. Some definitely can go into elementary which is good. Still checking off assignments in the 2 classes I am taking...which is good. Feel like I am making progress.

I get to "work" next week at the new school. Checking in textbooks...oh what fun. At least I will get to know our new asst. principal better. k

Getting Ready...

2009-06-16T09:57:00.001-04:00

I've been getting together the projects I would like to work on during the Stitch In. Yes, I know it is in July, but I'm excited about quilting for 12 hours a day :o) So I have decided to work on the "exchange of bricks" quilt first. This is a Bonnie Hunter design "bricks and stepping stones". 8 of us have swapped bricks. I have made my 4 patches for the quilt and will make that up in a jiffy. Figure I can talk and sew this quilt at the same time.

My next project I hope to complete is Tic Tac....although it has been tough to have that one "ready" and not sew on it. It is from Silver Thimble Company. I am doing it in Hello Betty Retro. And yes Pat, I am using a jelly roll!

Then I have been cutting scraps for the Bonnie Hunter Mystery Quilt. Brenda and Becky said they were going to do it also. It is so much more fun when others do the quilt with you!

Shopping!

2009-06-11T17:26:00.000-04:00

Well I went to Patchwork Cottage to see if they had a brown that went with the lovely Sultry layer cake I bought there the other day. What luck. I was meant to go there...it just came in! I plan on trying the Moda Bakeshop 9-patchtastic pattern that bad Melisa blogged about.
I then drove to Conyers, yes to see bad Melisa. She was trying to hide...imagine having to do office work for a quilt shop! I thought one could just play with fabric all day...yeah right! Anyway I did buy a few things. I also saw my friend Becky there...she was finishing up her Firecracker quilt and got some great borders. I did say I bought a few things....well I got the Just Desserts book and loved the 30's quilt in there but didn't want another 30's quilt. So they had 5 Aviary honey buns (needed 7 but thought I could make it smaller). The pattern calls for 7....lots of pieces. Going to go with a light blue not the pink like Melisa liked ;o) It will definitely be a "soft" quilt with itsy bitsy pieces! I also picked up a Figgy Pudding charm pack and some complementary fabric to make a table runner...cute fabs in this line. Oh and did I say I asked (which one should never do if you are over budget already) if the pattern that I saw there the other day was kitted...it's called Cake Walk and Sheila G. did some embroidery work on it and it is gorgeous....and yes they had that ready too! Well let's just say I paid cash and Mastercard so DH wouldn't think I went overboard on the credit card.

Decisions, decisions...

2009-06-07T12:08:00.000-04:00

Well must say summer has started with a BANG! Have not had much quilting time, but things are going to change. I was able to stock the new media center already in a day and a half with helpers from the county. I've gone on a 2 day retreat for the new school "bonding". I also started UGA summer session with 3 graduate classes....yes I am insane. Realized this when I went to my second mandatory orientation on Thursday in Athens and I was going to have to not sleep to do all the work just for that class...literally! I tossed and turned about what to do and decided Sat. morning to drop a class that I can take in the fall. (this was the one that was not the best choice to take in the short summer session anyway). So needless to say I will have some time for quilting. Yippy.

I also noticed it was April since my last post! What a bad blogger I am ;o)

I checked out the Moda bakeshop like bad Melisa suggested and my printer has been busy. Now to see what I need for the projects.

Hoping all my brick and stepping stones people who are going to swap this month are ready. I plan to be at Thimbles all day Friday...yes forget homework! I can't be there Sat. due to an all day class I have at UGA, so someone will have to pass mine on to the Sat. people.

Off to the library to pick up my reading materials....oh and speaking of materials...may stop at Patchwork Cottage on the way home.... k

Spring Break

2009-04-08T15:13:00.000-04:00

Well I have not accomplished all that I wish this break so far. I officially started break after Saturday. I had a UGA class from 9 - 3 that day...figured still in school.

I have done some fun things ;o) I've gone to the mountains for a day driving around looking at property with my husband. All in all, I see why people use Realtors. We didn't find the "one" but we did figure out what we didn't want. We were looking for a view of mountains...so one would have to be sort of high to see the mountain view, right? Well we decided that it was not worth the view if we had to go up a road that was the width of the car and very curvy...with a very steep drop if you slide off the road. I also seem to be into creeks...like that water sound. Thought we wanted 100% wooded acreage...decided that was not best for the canine members of the family...especially the big vision impaired guy. We also liked some towns better than others due to what there was to offer for shopping.

On Tuesday we had a contractor come over to start demolition on our master bath. Oh what a mess I envisioned, but the guys were great. We had some water damage and now it is all brand new "stuff" in to fix that part. DH and I went to pick out tile and we got more than the allowed square foot price so of course we are paying more than the quote...that's okay, it is going to look fabulous. Right now everything is curing before they put the tiles on...waiting for the drywall person to fix the ceiling DH put his foot thru while up in the attic one day...also waiting for an electrician for the tile people...not sure why ;o)

I have accomplished some homework for UGA this week also...still more to go. I am registered for summer classes ;o) I think I am nuts, but I might try 3 over the summer and open a new school...yup, nuts.

Rex is doing good with his blindness. We are slowly getting him back to where he feels comfortable running in the field...loved to see him do this...sounds just like a horse. He is still hesitant on the steps, but doing well.

Oh, and I have quilted today ;o) Thanks to bad Melisa at Sweet Home Quilts I have the new pineapple sundae quilt kit! I cut out some and sewed!!

Yippy. Kristie

2009-01-25T17:31:00.000-05:00

Homework done for the night...Pageturner questions printed...gift cards bought...All for a busy day tomorrow, Monday. It is our annual School Book Club Competition where the top 6 lucky kids get to spend all day Saturday with me and about a bigillion other kids who like to read. Our school also made tomorrow night Reading Night. So after school I have the competition...will probably last until 5pm and then Reading Night...need to check when that starts. I think 6:30pm. It will be exhausting but fun. I have the Gwinnett Public Library coming to sign up kids for my part in the media center and one of our parents is an author who will also be presenting in there. Lots of planning went into this by our reading team! I don't think I will be quilting tomorrow ;o(
Oh ...need to print those certificates..bye. k

BOM

2009-01-18T17:00:00.000-05:00

Well I have been organizing today and noticed (or admit to) another BOM. This one is from a Homestead Hearth...yes again! It is the Carrie Hall Sampler by Barbara Brackman.
The first block is the top left.
It is gorgeous!
BOM's are great because they only cost a little each month!

I do believe it will be hand done like the Jan Patek 2007 mystery quilt I have been working on, Spenser Museum Quilt. I will do the applique by hand and the piecing by machine. I have finished January thru October and almost done with November. It has been a great quilt to work on and I love the colors. This was started as a block a month and now is available from Jan's site as a pattern. I also (golly, don't know if I really should admit this) have the 2008 Jan Patek Mystery quilt BOM. It is again large blocks, but I am trying a new machine applique technique that my friend Pat W. showed me....who learned it from Kim Diehl. Now that is enough of my addiction confessions....oh and I have only just started ;o) k

Block of the Months

2009-01-17T17:09:00.000-05:00

I truly think I have a problem...I am addicted to block of the months. So does that mean I have to go to a self-help group? Okay...I guess I could have worse problems...wait a minute, I do! Haha.

Anyway, today I went to our newly organized sew ins. We are now "Thimbles". I always have a great time and actually get to sew! I also like seeing everyone's finished projects or wip (work-in-progress). In one of our discussions, bad Gretchen, bad Becky AND bad Brenda, told me about another BOM. AHHHHHH. Of course I have already looked at it...it is gorgeous and free!!! So how can I resist? I love this designer's patterns.

Time Crunch

2008-12-30T20:17:00.000-05:00

It is getting down to the wire...2 days left of break. I was able to work on a couple Dear Jane blocks (5) and uploaded them to the "virtual" Jane where you can see your progress...or lack of ;o)

I received my first class's syllabus today...yes that will be starting soon. Well here is one of the blocks where the light print was cut 7/8" wide! It was the "K9" block...ha-ha, get it?

I also was able to do my first installment of another block of the month club from one of my favorite online stores, Homestead Hearth. It is called Old Hickory. It will be very easy to do...not much thinking which is going to be good for me in the next year. k

2008-12-28T19:37:00.000-05:00

Bob and I bought new phones about a month ago and I am just figuring out stuff on it. I took some pictures with it and uploaded them to the computer. I don't think I ever posted a picture of Rex, one of our vision impaired Great Danes. Here he is with his pug buddies, P. Buddy and Smudge. Yes, P. Budd is resting his head on Rex...but he's sitting up to reach ;o)

2008-12-28T12:39:00.000-05:00

I have finally been quilting again this winter break! Yippy. Also, don't faint that I have posted too! Things have been busy with work, school, family...yes we all know how that is. I finished the top and back for a Moda U quilt that I have had for a long time, Patchwork Tiles, using Northwoods fabrics. Oh and you ask where did I get it from...well from bad Melisa's of course. It has been put away because I cut something wrong and just didn't want to deal with it....and it was only on one block. In kits, if you make a booboo and can't recut the "big" booboo piece again, well you just have to buy more! Well of course it has been a while, but I did find the fabric online and it only came in a fat quarter pack...yes we bought the whole thing. I am using the extra fats for the backing and cut of a 2 1/4" of each to use as the binding. I had only 4 whole fat quarters left, a finished top, back and binding. One down...hmmm how many more to go?
I have also been working on a block of the month from Jan Patek. I probably shouldn't say what year, but it is being all hand appliqued. I really enjoy this. I have 2 more months to go and then it goes together...okay it is from 2007 BOM program, but it is hand done...so I am clear!
I hope everyone has had a happy holiday and I am looking forward to a new year of good times. k

EDIT 6900 Star Exhibition Comments

2008-10-31T16:24:00.000-04:00

For classmates to post comments about our School Library Research Star Presentation project. Please click "comments" below. Then choose "anonymous" and type response. Click "Post comment" Thanks.

New Computer

2008-08-10T15:30:00.000-04:00

I purchases a new computer today(just the CPU)...would have been nice if my old one decided to sputter out when it was tax free time, but I must say it was very easy to buy online at Circuit City and then pick it up 24 minutes later! No crowds, no hassles. It does come with the new Microsoft Vista and at school we use XP...hope that doesn't pose a problem!
Tomorrow it is back to school with the little ones. This past week we have all been getting ready for them...so exciting! I haven't quilted at all this week. Plan to do some today ;o) I have lots of jelly rolls to create with...thanks to Bad Melisa.

So much to say...

2008-08-03T15:04:00.000-04:00

Well it has been very "interesting" around my house and life! I went to Stitch In and had a great time the days I was able to go and quilt 9am to 9pm. What a concept...to do what you like, with people that like the same thing you do, all day long! A new jelly roll quilt was made as was a small patriotic Jo Morton quilt and even finished an old UFO! The Firecracker quilt is ready for machine quilting as is the Amy Butler brick quilt pattern. Tomorrow (Monday) is back to work and it should be a busy week getting ready for all the students and meeting new teachers
This past Friday I went to Sweet Home Quilts to get fabric to finish a few projects...like backing, binding...then I get this email on the same Friday night from that "BAD Melisa!" with the hot new lines from Moda that just happened to come in that afternoon. So I had to go back on Saturday morning and get a few new jelly rolls...then I saw something in the sale room...then...well you know how that goes! I figure this is my last trip during the summer and I need to stock up...right? Sounds like a good excuse to me.

I was playing around with my camera trying to get a picture of my black pug, Smudge. Well he just does not show up good in the pictures I take, but P. Buddy did ;o) Only a mother could love that face.

Another jar and what to do?

2008-07-20T19:55:00.000-04:00

I have had the best time quilting (of course!) this past weekend at Stitch 'n Sisters club. I worked on a new pattern that we have the choice of doing for the month, Firecrackers by Two Sisters at Squirrel Hollow. I wanted to use something in my immense stash to feel like I am making progress in reducing it (HAHAHA!). I used 2 Calico Craze charm packs from Moda and designed by Brackman & Clothier Thompson. The quilt will have a more olden day look to it than the picture in the pattern. I ended up purchasing a neutral, a pinky mauve for the center squares and a brown for the firecrackers. I wasn't sure I was going to do the "firecracker" part only because of the size of the triangles and I saw the quilt done without them also looked great. I decided to go ahead and am glad I did...seems to tie colors together. Of course with just charm packs I did not have anything for the borders...yes the fabric line is old...so I did actually find some online and will be having that shipped to me soon...I am not sure using my stash "saved" me any money with the extras I have purchased for the quilt, but oh well, I will have a nice quilt to show for it.

Now the story about the jar...

In a recent quilt magazine I saw that someone made their bindings when they finished the tops and put them a clear jar so they knew where they were, didn't use the fabric for something else, and it was also decorative. This summer I have been organizing and making backings and bindings for quilts that I need to quilt. I really like making tops and it is very noticeable especially when I have already filled my binding jar (which is a good size) and now I need another one ;o)

Now with all this binding to put on a quilt, one would think that during the stitch in I would work on these...nope! I still have not decided what I will be doing tomorrow when I go to quilt for 12 hours with my Stitch 'n Sisters.

One last photo...I have had some friends ask about my other family members...furry or feathery... and I have taken a picture of the first parrot I have ever owned, Purl. She is a lilac crowned amazon with attitude. She helps me with my pirate stories at school and the kids love her. She is a vain girl because all she really says is "Pretty, Pretty, Pretty Purl" or "Purl's a good girl". She LOVES birdy bells and her eyes "pin" when she rings them. This means the pupil goes back and forth from little to big very fast because she is excited. She is a pretty girl!

Nurse Kristie

2008-07-16T19:56:00.000-04:00

Well after today, I definitely know I do NOT have what it takes to be a nurse...I have too many phobias! My mom had cataract surgery today as an out patient and I was her "taxi"...the reverse of my younger days when she was my taxi...interesting how that happens. Anyway I almost got sick when they took the IV out and blood went gushing all over...yes...I am not a blood or needle person! Bless those who can do this job!

I get to discuss children books tomorrow with other media specialists! We are compiling questions for a Readers Rally for next year. It was interesting also that I received an email from ALA (American Library Association) where there was a podcast with the Director of the Intellectual Freedom Office. She had great points and I always wondered how they get the top 10 challenged books for the year...well come to find out that it is a "voluntary" poll that teachers/librarians send them when they know of one. She said that they probably get only 1 out of 4 books that get challenged for their poll....interesting....well for media specialists...maybe not nurses...heehee.

Here are the books that I had to read:

Friendship Braid Quilt

2008-07-13T17:13:00.000-04:00

I am almost done with the piecing of the Moda Winter jelly roll purchased recently...just need to buy and put the borders on. This means another road trip to Sweet Home because I was not sure what border fabric I wanted at the time. I saw the UPS man there last time unloading and I bet there will be more goodies for me to buy.
I like the clear pictures and directions in the Jelly Roll book, but I do have a few tips if others are going to make the Friendship Braid Quilt. I did not have the exact ruler they said to use and modified one of my others...worked fine, but wonder if my pieces would have not been off a hair when joining. It also has you press all seams in the same way on all the braids. I hate not having opposing seams if it is at all possible. So for the 1st for "braids", starting with the light, I pressed them as was stated. For the 2nd set, I press the opposite way they said. It is not as "easy" to press, but I felt the time here was well worth the opposing seams when sewing. I first pressed from the back lightly to direct the seams and then did the right side. Also BIAS, BIAS, BIAS....if you are making this quilt, you will know what I mean! I am looking thru my stash to make a couple others in the book. Definitely a keeper of a book.

Poppy is so funny. She was exploring a bird bell today. Big deal...right? Let's just say it makes a nice hat...wish I had the camera. I also bought something today I really should not have...everyone will have to wait to see ;o). k

Time

2008-07-10T12:58:00.000-04:00

Went to Sweet Home Quilts in Conyers today. It's Melisa's fault I bought the new Portugal bundle...yes it is her fault, no questions about it! I am deciding between 2 patterns for these wonderful fabrics. I also bought some batting for projects I need to quilt...just need the time.

I worked today on a couple of quilt projects. One was 'Twas the Night Before pattern by Crabapple Hill. I "cut" my borders and lining fabric for the embroidery, traced border 1 and 2 and hand basted these 2 borders to the lining fabric. I have never embroidered thru 2 fabrics for a quilt...something new to try. I bought the kit from Homestead Hearth online.I also worked on a jelly roll I bought from Melisa...yes that Melisa makes you spend money!! Too many wonderful fabrics and so close! It is from Moda Fabrics also...Winter Jelly Roll by Minnick & Simpson. I just had to buy a new jelly roll book to make a quilt with the jelly roll I was going to purchase...Right?
I am currently listening to a children's fantasy book called Endymion Spring by Matthew Skelton and must say I really like it. It has two storylines going right now...a past and a present that is connected to a book with no writing in it...or so we think.
My summer is winding down because I notice I do not have many "free" days left. Granted some of them are going to be at Stitch In (my first ever), but time is slipping away for all those things I had planned to do...such is life.

Another day...

2008-07-08T23:51:00.000-04:00

Some days seem like you get so much done...this was one of those days. Yes, there were a few glitches, but forward ho! I needed to rise and shine at 7 am this morning for the first day of class registration at UGA for my EdS. All set and ready to plug in those numbers right at 7 on the dot so I know I am in the two classes I want...actually the only 2 that will fit my fall schedule. A message pops up..."you cannot register, see your advisor". AHHHHH! I email my advisor and she gets me all squared away (more than one person is involved in this "clearing" process) and I am registered later in the day...still getting the classes I want. ;o) Ordered the textbooks and paid for the classes...$$$ cha-ching

Next I bought "MONK" season 6 for DH. He loves that show and it was just released today. I hardly ever watch TV, but I do enjoy watching DVDs so I can decide when to watch them. I wonder if Monk was a quilter how his stash would look...bet very organized.

I finished installing the carpeting in 2 places in the bedroom that I avoided due to lots of cutting. I then "fixed" up my questions I was helping to write for the GRR (Gwinnett Readers Rally) competition for the coming year. Whew!

New carpet

2008-07-04T20:11:00.000-04:00

Yesterday and today I've been laying carpet. 480 square feet of carpet! I think the worst part is ripping up the old stuff up and the second worst is cutting pieces to "fit" in weird spots. All in all the carpet needed replacing due to the 28 years it has been on this floor. As you see the new carpet has the seal of approval from one of my pugs (the baby of the family). It is hard to tell from the picture that the color is a sage green...not the pug, the carpet!! Maybe tomorrow I can quilt!!

New Addition

2008-06-29T23:03:00.000-04:00

Well our new addition to the family came rather unexpectantly. I am a person that believes that there are signs leading us down the path we are supposed to take or guiding us to do things that are in our best interest. Granted some people might not heed these signs, but I do put stock in them.

Remember last time I posted about getting nipped by a bird? Definitely turned me off from getting a bird that day. Well I went to get my normal stock of bird food, toys, bird litter, etc, and I didn't realize that my favorite "bird mom", Katy, was in that day. I had not seen her forever! She was showing me all the wonderful "fids" (feathered kids in the bird world) she was hand raising. I told her what happened at the show and she told me that she just hand raised a rose-breasted cockatoo....the kind I was considering...the only kind I thought I would add to my flock...and she was a cutie with personality and such a love! Welcome Poppy!

Quilts to show you care

2008-06-23T15:42:00.001-04:00

The best "purpose" for a quilt is to give it to someone to let him/her know you are thinking of them in good or tough times. Or that you care about that person and wanted to show them this through your creative endeavors. Granted many might not know the time, $$, and creativity that goes into a quilt, but when I am included in a "show you care" quilt, I know it brightens someones day as well as my own. A few friends made some blocks and gave me the floral fabric to make a quilt for a lady we know who has cancer. I added sashing and was a little creative on the borders due to the fabric I had left...oh yes those are called design elements ;o) I quilted it and I finished the binding yesterday at Sunday Sisters (I normally don't go on this day). It is bright and cheery, just what a person needs to lift them up!

Busy and Productive

2008-06-13T11:27:00.000-04:00

I have had a few busy days! Finished the Holly and Berries top, pieced the backing and made the binding. I also completed a rag quilt I made from 5" charm square packs. They are brushed cotton and feel great! I washed the quilt for the "raggy" look and noticed that the tangled mess one normally gets when pulling the quilt out of the washer was not as bad. I think it is because of the "pinked" charmed squares. The "pinked" part did make sewing rather MESSY! My clothes were covered in little threads. Overall, I would do another rag quilt out of them. I went to Sweet Home Quilts in Conyers and bought a tote pattern...and of course the new Hemming House fabric to make it. I have it all finished already! Will post a pic when I can find my digital camera...know the mind is getting old when I keep forgetting where I put things! On Saturday, my family went to a Bird Show. Yes they actually have these! It is a fun place to see different birds...mostly parrots, finches, pet birds...and buy supplies at great prices. I did not get a bird, but one actually nipped me good! That has not happened to me yet, even with my own birds. Ouch! Saturday afternoon I went to a meeting about getting my Specialist degree at UGA. It was an informative meeting with what we are expected to do, etc. It is going to be great and hard work. I have 2 friends in the Cohort with me that are going to be great media specialists when they get certified!

Holly and Berries Quilt

2008-06-10T21:48:00.000-04:00

Worked on a UFO today. Made up my mind that I needed to finish an old project before I could start the quilt I received in the mail yesterday. (Trying to be good.) I am finishing the borders for Holly and Berries, a 2007 Stitch 'n Sisters kit. It is interesting how things get "pushed aside" when something new comes along and says "I have to be done right now!" The Holly and Berries top has been all together except for the over 200 1/2 square triangles for the borders (I made my quilt bigger than the pattern)...hmm wonder why I put it aside ;o) Well I can say that the borders are together finally after sewing them all wrong this morning! Yes, I pieced the 1/2 square triangles into pairs all wrong!! I laugh now because I laid them out as in the picture, put right sides together, but sewed the wrong seam on all of them....so I ripped them all out and resewed! The points did come out rather nicely (the second time). Tomorrow I will sew the borders on the quilt and piece the backing out of the extra blacks I had from the top. I have been inspired to finish some UFO's because 2 of my friends are...right Becky and Brenda??? You are a good influence on me! Well except when we go shopping for quilt fabric...
k

Package in the Mail

2008-06-09T19:47:00.000-04:00

Always a treat to get a quilt kit in the mail!! It is a pattern from Primitive Pieces by Lynda. I ordered the kit from Homestead Hearth (such great cust. service!) Check out Peter, Paul and Aunt Mary!

http://homestead.securesites.com/index.php

Welcome

2008-06-09T13:58:00.000-04:00

One might not understand why the title of this blog is M.S. Dolittle Quilter. I have always liked to think of names that might have double meanings or need to be read into more to fully understand...so here is the explaination of the blog name.
Quilter is obvious. I love to quilt, read about quilts, buy fabric for quilts, anything to do with quilting...I'm there.
M.S. could stand for Ms....like Ms. Smith, but it does not. It is an abbreviation for my profession. I am an elementary school Media Specialist in a suburb of Atlanta, Georgia.
Dolittle is definitely not because I "do little" in quilting! It is because I have a "zoo" at my house. I love animals! I am particularly fond of dogs and parrots.
So there you have it...the origins of M.S. Dolittle Quilter. k